A study of convalescent care in 6 general institutions in and around New York City has revealed serious gaps in the services designed to meet the needs of children. Major gaps were found in such areas as medical service, social service, therapy, nursing service, recreation, and physical facilities. Questions are raised concerning the future role, if any, convalescent institutions might play. The need for intensive studies of convalescent institutions is apparent, if the available community funds are to be used to moot the present and future needs of the most children.